Hello dear readers. It’s been a while. I’ve been on a hiatus in this crazy new year of Omicron surges and already a few sad passings in the world of film. I’m taking 2022 to put thought into my next chapter of writing. Stay tuned for updates in the next few months. In the meantime, I’d love to hear any feedback on what movies or posts you’ve enjoyed, or any suggestions on how to make this newsletter more useful to you.
And in the spirit of adieus, here are two films from legends whom we said goodbye to this month.
What’s Up, Doc? (1972, dir. Peter Bogdanovich)
Vibe: Peter Bogdanovich left behind one of the most idiosyncratic bodies of work of any American director when he passed away at the age of 82 last week. Much of his later career was mired in so many commercial failures, personal life tragedies, and tabloid controversies that it’s easy to forget how vital his contributions were as a director, author, film scholar, and actor. Indeed, some people may only now recognize him for his excellent recurring part in The Sopranos as Jennifer Melfi’s psychiatrist, Elliot Kupferberg. But I’d like to harken back to some of the early films he made in collaboration with then-wife Polly Platt. I’ve recommended the classic Paper Moon before, and if you haven’t seen his masterpiece The Last Picture Show, please remedy that immediately. But if you’re looking for some light-hearted weekend fun, check out his 1972 zany screwball comedy starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal. Bay Area readers will appreciate the many car chases set amidst familiar winding San Francisco streets, particularly the ride down through Alta Plaza that permanently damaged the park steps.
Watch It On: Amazon or YouTube for $1.99
In the Heat of the Night (1967 dir. Norman Jewison)
Vibe: Sidney Poitier also passed away earlier this month, and it’s as good a time as any to revisit his legendary filmography. In 1967 alone, Poitier had one of the most iconic single years of any Hollywood actor, starring in three massive box office hits—To Sir, with Love; Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and In the Heat of the Night—two of which were nominated for Oscars. This crime thriller from Norman Jewison is one of the most enduring films of its time and speaks to just how magnetic a presence Poiter was.
Watch It On: HBO Max
“Just remember, beautiful, everything gets old if you do it often enough”
-The Last Picture Show (1971)
Questions? Suggestions? Want to discuss a movie? Leave a comment.
I’m looking for a faded sweatshirt that says
‘VHS vantage’